Remembering Newt Kirkland

Independence Seaport Museum and the Philadelphia maritime community are remembering the life of Newt Kirkland. Newt passed away on Monday, September 15, 2014.

After logging countless miles in ocean racing yachts, Kirkland shifted gears and began building wooden boats in 1993 at the Philadelphia Ship Preservation Guild. He later joined Workshop on the Water, the traditional boat shop located at Independence Seaport Museum in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Since joining the Seaport Museum, Newt worked tirelessly to uphold the tradition of wooden boat building, passing his skills on to students and volunteers in the shop.

Visitors to the Seaport Museum loved interacting with Newt as he worked on various projects. He left an indelible impression on visitors and brought a great deal of personality to the Boat Shop. He will be missed by all.

Independence Seaport Museum will host a memorial service for Newt in the Workshop on the Water at 3:30 p.m. on October 18, 2014. Light refreshments will be served, and guests will have the opportunity to speak if they choose.